'Concerns Become Reality'... Samsung Electronics' New AI Washing Machines and Dryers Out of Stock

GrandeAI 'All-in-One Control' Dryer Sold-Out Frenzy
Domestic Product Supply Expected Between 25th and Early March
Due to Factory Shutdowns in China Amid COVID-19 Spread

The new 'Grande Artificial Intelligence (AI)' washing machine and dryer models that Samsung Electronics launched domestically on the 29th of last month.

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] "If you want to purchase the new washing machine and dryer as an all-in-one set, give up on the dryer for now. You can only receive the washing machine first."

Samsung Electronics' supply shortage concerns for the newly released AI washing machine and dryer, 'Grande AI,' have become a reality. The Suzhou factory in Jiangsu Province, China, which produces all the new dryers, halted operations until early this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing disruptions in domestic supply.

Although Samsung Electronics claims there are no major issues with supply after resuming factory operations, major dealerships selling the products are facing an emergency in securing inventory.

According to the inventory information system of Samsung Digital Plaza, which sells Samsung electronic products, as of the 17th, the domestic stock of the Grande AI dryer 'All-in-One Control' model is zero. If you order the product on this day, you will have to wait until the 25th or, at the latest, early next month to receive it, according to Samsung Digital Plaza.

The All-in-One Control system is an industry-first feature by Samsung Electronics that allows control of the dryer from the washing machine control panel and is one of this year's strategic items. All units are imported as finished products from the Suzhou factory in Jiangsu Province, China.

As an alternative, the general new AI dryer without the All-in-One Control is also sold out in colors such as Greige and Black Caviar, except for Silver. However, about 40 units of the Black Caviar color are scheduled to arrive from the Suzhou factory to Korea on this day.

The Grande AI washing machines produced at the Vietnam factory are also experiencing delays in the supply of some secondary inventory. The 23kg Silver All-in-One Control washing machine is currently out of stock, and it is expected to take more than 10 days to receive the product.

Greige and Black Caviar colors are available for purchase, but since it is difficult to supply dryers with the All-in-One Control function, it is expected that a considerable period will be needed for simultaneous installation. The general AI washing machine of the same size is available for purchase only in Black Caviar color.

The reason for the delay in supply of Samsung Electronics' new AI dryers is that the Suzhou factory halted operations earlier this month due to the spread of COVID-19 in China. This immediately caused disruptions in the production of secondary inventory, negatively affecting some supplies.

The industry expects that although Samsung resumed factory operations on the 10th, if some local employees return late, the supply shortage may continue for some time.

The Grande AI dryer is a product Samsung Electronics emphasized as the world's first, making this supply shortage an unfortunate issue. Samsung's AI washing machine and dryer All-in-One Control products are innovative devices equipped with artificial intelligence functions that analyze user habits and provide an optimal usage environment.

Samsung Electronics emphasized that this supply issue is temporary and does not significantly affect product supply. A Samsung Electronics official said, "Supply issues may occur for certain models at some dealerships, but since the Suzhou factory has resumed operations, there is no major problem with product supply."